WINTER 2013 | VOLUME 19 | Issue 4
Make Sure You Are Part of the BC Crime Stoppers Training Conference May 2–4, 2013 in Vancouver
Reorganization Issues on the Agenda at Upcoming BC Crime Stoppers Training Conference Are You Registered for the Conference? Join the BC Crime Stoppers Board Updates From:
Prince George Nanaimo Kamloops Lion’s Pride Derren Lench Appointment
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BC Crime Stoppers renewal recommendations top agenda at upcoming Annual General Meeting The culmination of a year-long BC Crime Stoppers review will be brought before the members at the Annual General Meeting of the British Columbia Crime Stoppers Advisory Board Society. The meeting will take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Empire Landmark Hotel in Vancouver. In the spring of 2012, the BC Crime Stoppers Board of Directors tasked Tim Kelley to visit Crime Stoppers programs throughout the province and to provide a written report on his findings. In September of 2012 the Board of Directors circulated this review to all BC Crime Stoppers programs. Further, a Board committee was struck and it met throughout the Fall of 2012 and the Winter of 2013. The result of the work done by this committee was contained in the British Columbia Crime Stoppers Renewal and Reorganization Package that was sent to all BC Crime Stoppers programs. This package will be presented for approval at the Annual General Meeting. Prior to the tabling of this document, the 2013 CS Conference committee has set aside two hours in the meeting to allow the Board to explain its rationale for these proposals and take questions from the delegates. The five elements of the BC Crime Stoppers Renewal and Reorganization Package that will be brought forward for approval include: Guiding Principle A vision for the role and mandate of British Columbia Crime Stoppers is provided in the document. Its purpose is to make clear the role of the provincial organization. A key element in this Guiding Principle document is that British Columbia Crime Stoppers is a cooperative comprising its member programs. As a co-operative, there are certain roles and responsibilities to be fulfilled by each member program and certain roles and responsibilities to be fulfilled by the provincial organization for the mutual benefit of all member programs. Change of name The recommendation for the change of name from “BC Crime Stoppers Advisory Board Society” to
“British Columbia Crime Stoppers Society”. This name change reflects the fact that the provincial organization is more than just an advisory group. Police Partnership renewal The Crime Stoppers’ relationship with the Police is primary. In a police jurisdiction where Crime Stoppers is respected and supported from the top down, the program is successful. If the police jurisdiction does not promote and nurture the relationship with Crime Stoppers then Crime Stoppers usually fails. This document provides a number of ideas on how British Columbia Crime Stoppers can facilitate a solid relationship between Crime Stoppers and Police throughout the province. Memorandum of Agreement with member organizations This Memorandum of Agreement outlines in detail the different roles of member programs and the provincial program. It provides guidelines for the provincial program to ensure appropriate standards are met by its member programs, preserving the integrity of Crime Stoppers in name and operations. The document also outlines a corrective procedure to follow in the event a program is failing to meet the standards. If adopted as policy, each member program will be asked to sign this document. Regional Organization and Funding Program funding is a constant concern for many British Columbia Crime Stoppers programs. This document provides a vision of how British Columbia Crime Stoppers member programs could be organized and how the provincial program could work with member programs to build a better revenue base. It is important that all programs engage in discussion about the issues. A thorough distribution of all materials was made in mid February. If you would like me to send you an additional copy or if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please contact me. Rick Ekkel, President BC Crime Stoppers rkeconsulting@gmail.com
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Are you registered for the conference yet? Make sure you’re there for the 2013 British Columbia Crime Stoppers Annual Training Conference at the Empire Landmark Hotel in Vancouver, May 2–4. The theme of the conference is Crime and Its Ripple Effect, focusing how crime has an impact on our communities, our lives, and our safety, whether in a large metropolis or a small neighbourhood. Law enforcement and Crime Stoppers Program personnel from throughout British Columbia, Alberta and the Northwest of the United States will be participating. Check out the website for details on registration, hotels, speakers, guests, and more. All registration can be done on line at: crimestoppersvancouverconference2013.com
Make a difference: become a member of the BC Crime Stoppers board of directors BC Crime Stoppers works because the member programs are directly engaged and manage the provincial body. Would your program like to get involved at the provincial level? The BC Crime Stoppers Board of Directors is comprised of 10 to 15 directors, civilians and police members. Civilian board members come from recognized Crime Stoppers programs which are in good standing. Board members set the tone and direction for BC Crime Stoppers as a whole and are sometimes asked to use their expertise to guide programs in their respective areas of the province. Board membership has direct benefits for your local program. Benefits include immediate access to information should questions arise in the operation of your program, a broader base of knowledge to draw from, and of course, the continuous opportunity to discuss the growth
and direction of BC Crime Stoppers with familiar faces. At no time are board members the sole representatives of any one program, but rather the voice for a small group within a specified area and one that works towards the betterment of Crime Stoppers within BC. The Board of Directors usually meets in person twice a year, with telephone conferences held regularly. The in-person meetings are usually held at the beginning of the Annual Training Conference and again mid-way through the year. The cost to attend these in-person meetings is borne by the B.C. Crime Stoppers Advisory Board Member’s local program. Interested in joining the board or want to nominate someone for the job? Please complete the application on page 4.
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BC Crime Stoppers Advisory Board Nomination Form 2013 Please Print
We, the undersigned, hereby nominate to the British Columbia Crime Stoppers Advisory Board of Directors to represent the (North, South Interior, Island, Lower Mainland, At Large region) NOMINATOR 1: PROGRAM: NOMINATOR 2: PROGRAM:
I, the nominee, accept the foregoing nomination SIGNATURE:
Date:
On behalf of the Program, we agree to financially sponsor the above candidate during his/her term of office.
Authorized Program Representative:
SIGNATURE:
Date:
Send a completed scanned copy to t.kelley@shaw.ca by April 27, 2013
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Prince George Crime Stoppers Awareness Report
The winner of the Airplane toss is the young man in black, third from left.
We had a busy Awareness Month this January, with our inaugural RCMP Awards Program and Presentation Ceremony and other exciting events. We are very proud of our supportive relationship with the Prince George Detachment of the RCMP. Constable Danny Grieve, a member of the Prince George RCMP’s downtown enforcement unit, was named Officer of the Year for his continuous support of our program and making use of the tips it receives. Prince George RCMP’s D Watch, led by Staff Sergeant Jeff McArthur, was named Prince George Crime Stoppers’ Watch of the Year for its support of our program.
Craig Douglass, on the right in green, led the way with constant advice on the design and folding of planes! The following weekend we held our PGCS Shoot-Off at the Spruce Kings/Coquitlam Express JHL game. Three contestants competed for over 10 minutes before declaring a winner. We certainly spread lots of awareness! At all awareness events we have our “swag” table of giveaways with Board Members on duty. We are now working towards our always successful Fundraising event: our PGCS Golf Tournament in June and our Pub Night in September.
The next day, the famous Prince George Crime Stoppers’ Airplane Toss at UNBC took place during half-time of the Timberwolves/Manitoba Bisons Basketball Game. Our Co-ordinator, Cpl.
Best Wishes to all fellow Crime Stoppers organizations for another successful year. We look forward to meeting you at the BCCS Conference!
PGCS President Jack Hooper, left, Cst. Danny Grieve, Sgt. Ehran Toyata representing the Watch of the Year and Supt. Eric Stubbs, Prince George Detachment, RCMP.
The winner of of the PGSC Shoot-Off proudly holding his prize: a Samsung Galaxy Tablet
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Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers Shred Identity Theft and Raise Cash
Crime Stoppers board members grilled up hot dogs at the successful Shred Identity Theft event.
On a cold and wet Saturday in late January, would probably would have held onto them for Nanaimo and District Crime Stoppers volunteers another 30 years. braved the elements and raised over $1300 While people waited and watched they dollars for their local program. How did they do were treated to a delicious barbequed hot it? By assisting with the confidential shredding dog, donated by Save-On-Foods and grilled of over 3000 pounds to perfection by Crime of documents dropped Stoppers board members. off throughout the The final tally was day by residents of impressive. In less than “He was finally parting Nanaimo. five hours $1321 dollars ways with receipts from was raised and over 3000 The truck used to shred the documents pounds of documents as far back as 1978.” was a confidential shredded. shredding truck “This was the first time our graciously donated Board had undertaken such by Island Documents an initiative,” said Constable Storage and Shredding (IDSS). The event, which Gary O’Brien Crime Stoppers co-ordinator for ran from 10 to 3 on Saturday January 26th, the Nanaimo RCMP. “The only thing that wasn’t was held in the parking lot of Save On Foods, spot on was the weather, but even that could Terminal Park Mall. not put a damper on the enthusiasm shown by Throughout the day, car load by car load came ourmembers. The feedback was positive and as by with scores of boxes containing a variety of a result we foresee this event being held every personal documents. One person commented six months.” that he was finally parting ways with receipts If you are interested in utilizing IDSS for similar from as far back as 1978. events please contact them at 1-800-763-9180 or He said that if it wasn’t for the fundraiser he by email at sales@idss.ca
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Kamloops & District Crime Stoppers
Last year’s Car Raffle prize was perfect for the sunny Kamloops summer!
Kamloops & District Crime Stoppers has entered into its 29th year of operation and continues to grow and help solve crime. The board of directors has had another busy year with many functions promoting the benefits of Crime Stoppers throughout the community. Kamloops & District Crime Stoppers has found many ways to highlight our Crime Stoppers brand to the public at no cost, just by getting involved in community activities. When Crime Stoppers volunteers and board members are seen participating in these activities, it shows a commitment to their community and a belief in the program. This helps encourage financial support and education with the Tips program. Volunteers and board members have fun getting involved in activities like Operation Red Nose which uses the Crime Stoppers Car to drive people home after a night out on the town, The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle, Bowling with the Big Brothers & Sisters, Adopt-A-Road cleanup of city roads, farmers market information sessions and raffles, and the Thompson Rivers University student welcome back BBQ. We were also invited to participate in the Tim Hortons’ Tim Bit Hockey Jamboree with over 600 five and six year old hockey players. You cannot get more Canadian that that! With our booth complete with a balloon-pop game, the kids, parents and the Crime Stoppers Crew had a
great day! But by far, the most entertaining and fun event Crime Stoppers participates in is the annual Santa Clause parade. Our main fundraiser is the Car Raffle where tickets are sold throughout Kamloops & District for four months at a cost of $5.00 per ticket. Last year’s car was a red 2007 Mustang convertible with low kilometers on it; just perfect for our great Kamloops weather! Our Car Raffle volunteers not only sell tickets but promote the Crime Stoppers program and handout brochures, fridge magnets and mini flashlights. To start the Car Raffle Season off, we conducted a training session for over 50 volunteers including board members at the Kamloops City RCMP Detachment. We had a get together afterwards and which was followed by a tour of the detachment with one of the Staff Sergeants. Volunteers said they really did feel they were part of the Crime Stoppers team when they got a small sample of the police work that it takes to keep a community safe. Keep watch for our 2013 Car Raffle. An anonymous tip says, “the car is made for the Kamloops Summer Weather!” On behalf of Sue Brown, assistant coordinator, myself Mark Price, Coordinator, the board of directors and all our volunteers, we would like to wish each program success for the coming year.
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Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers It’s been a busy few months for Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers. The board and staff jumped right from the successful fundraising golf tournament in September to joining forces with Fit4Defense, an organization that works with middle school students to prevent violence and teach self defense and assertiveness. To date, approximately three hundred 13–16 year-olds have completed the program. This partnership was made possible thanks to Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers being awarded the Tree of Hope Charity for the year 2012.
“Hundreds of people walked from the Coast Capri Mall to the Landmark Tree of Hope location.” Cabalfin, and Garry Grochowich attended the Kelowna Rockets hockey game on January 24th to fundraise and spread the word.
Some of the young ladies who participate in the Fit4Defense Program
COCS board and staff led a candlelit walk on November 30 to represent citizens taking back the street against crime. Hundreds of people walked from the Coast Capri Mall to the Landmark Tree of Hope location where festivities included music, hot chocolate, speeches and of course Santa Claus! Kelowna officials were on hand to flip the switch that lit the 25,000 bulbs of the monumental tree. Crime Stoppers Month was celebrated with our yearly Appreciation Luncheon – our way of saying thank you to our media, government and sponsor partners. This year’s keynote speaker was Inspector Dwayne McDonald, a senior investigator of the combined forces special enforcement unit. Inspector McDonald delivered an informative speech highlighting the Jonathan Bacon Homicide investigation and the ramifications of continued gang violence in British Columbia. Coordinator Gerry Guiltenane and directors David Demeyere, Paula Naka, Ron Beahun, Dino
Board member and staffer Gerry Guiltenane and Lori Robinson head to Big White on March 16th to join the Community Policing Volunteers in running a ski and snowboard identification engraving program. April 24th finds the Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers gang hosting the Kelowna Downtown After Five networking social at the Laurel Packinghouse.
Crime Stoppers Newsletter Production Team Tim Kelley:
Executive Editor
Nicole Beneteau: Editor & Layout Mitch Harker: Mandy Donkin: Jai Rakic:
Design & Layout Correspondent Design & Layout
Jeremy Ambers: Design & Layout Rick Caswell: Production Advisor
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BC Crime Stoppers teams up with the Ministry of Justice and the BC Lions
Crime Stoppers field-level signage at the BC Lions game
Thanks to the support of the Government of British Columbia Ministry of Justice, Community Safety and Crime Prevention Branch, Crime Stoppers has gained a partnership with the BC Lions Football Team Lions Pride program. Lions Pride is a program designed specifically for youth in grades 8–12 and emphasizes the importance of making positive life choices.
Through partnership with the program, Crime Stoppers is given high profile at all BC Lions home games in BC Place Stadium. As well, in-stadium public address announcements highlighting Crime Stoppers are made throughout the games. British Columbia Crime Stoppers is the beneficiary of ongoing support from the Government of British Columbia Ministry of Justice.
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Promotion of BCACP Liaison to BC Crime Stoppers Advisory Board Over the past 3 years Superintendent Derren Lench, operations officer and assistant officer in charge of the Burnaby RCMP detachment, has been the liaison between the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police and the B.C. Crime Stoppers Advisory Board. Derren has been an active participant in meetings of the board in person and via teleconference. He also attended the Training Conference in Kelowna. Derren has taken a real interest in the Crime Stoppers program and has provided key operational and strategic advice in enhancing the current model. He continually updates the BCACP on the status of Crime Stoppers, seeking the support of the various Chiefs of Police.
“Derren has taken a real interest in the Crime Stoppers program.” Recently, Derren was selected as the new Deputy Criminal Operations Officer for Core Policing within British Columbia. Upon occupying the position, with an expected start date at the beginning of April, Derren will also be promoted to Chief Superintendent. He will be replacing Chief Superintendent Janice Armstrong who is being transferred and promoted to Ottawa. Derren will be working at the new RCMP Headquarters in Surrey. In this new position, Derren will be reporting to the Criminal Operations Officer for Core Policing, who oversees front line policing in the province.Within his portfolio Derren will have responsibility for a number of key programs including Traffic, Critical Incident Program, Aboriginal Policing, Operational Communication Centers, West Coast Marine Section, Operational Policies and Procedures, and Crime Prevention. Oversight of the Crime Stoppers Program
Derren Lench is the new Deputy Criminal Operations Officer for Core Policing
Provincially reports to the Inspector in Charge of Crime Prevention. Given Derren’s previous involvment with the BC Crime Stoppers Advisory Board, and his impending Senior Executive responsibilities, there is a great opportunity to advance the various initiatives the program is embarking upon. With his new duties, Derren has found it necessary to step down from some of the roles he was carrying out, one being the BCACP Liaison to the BC Crime Stoppers Advisory BoardInspector Dave Fleugel, operations officer, Ridge-Meadows RCMP detachment, has stepped up to take over these duties. Dave is an experienced officer and will be a great addition to the board.
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